Morning walks, exercise allowed

POLICE have clarified that people can go for their morning walks or exercise as long as they adhere to precautionary health measures.

This comes after concerns were raised that police officers were stopping people from walking along the sea wall in Suva.

In a statement, Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu clarified that officers had to intervene and disperse crowds gathered at the My Suva Picnic Park and Suva Point yesterday in the wake of growing concerns of people not adhering to precautionary health measures.

“We understand that there were some who were genuinely at the park for health reasons with the intention of exercising, but there were quite a number of people who were gathered in groups and not adhering to the precautionary measures as outlined by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

He also said reports were received of people disregarding precautionary health measures such as the wearing of masks, physical distancing and gathering in numbers.

He said concerns had been raised by the Suva City Council on the removal of tape cordoning off exercise equipment and seating areas.

“Officers had to take this approach for everyone’s safety.

“We request that Fijians do not take advantage of the opportunity allowed by the Ministry of Health to conduct physical exercises as there are many who are genuine in their intentions of trying to achieve a healthier life.”